Metropolitan Bishop
Saint Zenobius, in the world Zacharias Ioakimovich Mazuga, was born on September 14, 1898, in the city of Glukhov. He lost his parents at an early age and was raised by relatives. From his childhood, he showed a deep love for God. At the age of sixteen, he entered the Monastery of Glinsk, where he began his spiritual journey as a novice. The discipline of obedience there was demanding and his assigned duties were particularly hard. Nevertheless, he prayed fervently and constantly sought to cultivate humility.
During the First World War, he was forced to present to the army. However, through his prayers, he was able to serve in positions away from the battlefield. After his discharge, he returned to the old Glinsk Monastery, where, in 1917, he received the monastic tonsure and was given the name Zenobius.
In 1922, the monastery was closed and he moved to Georgia, where he was ordained a hierodeacon and subsequently a hieromonk. He served in various churches, enduring numerous persecutions and hardships. In 1936, he was arrested, but, by the grace of God, managed to escape and eventually made his way to the Ural Mountains.
After his release in 1945, he continued his ministry in Georgia, where he became deeply loved by the faithful. In 1956, he was consecrated a bishop and in 1972, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan. During the final years of his life, he suffered from a serious illness, yet he continued to pray and serve the Church with unwavering devotion.
He reposed on March 8, 1985. In 2009, he was recognized among the local saints, while in 2017, the Russian Orthodox Church officially glorified him, establishing September 22 as his feast day.
